Protective closing cover for nails

ABSTRACT

A protective nail cover for use in polishing process. It is a bubble nail cover that protects the nail and allows it to dry without contact with other fingernails and other materials. The protective closing covers allow the person to continue with their daily activities even with wet nails. The user may drive, or read, or even sleep with wet nails covered by protective closing covers. The nail cover has two halves that fit around the fingertips in a secure and removable clasping hinged fashion

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part Application of patent applicationSer. No. 09/770,181 filed on Mar. 29, 2001, which claimed priority topatent application Ser. No. 60/193,660 filed on Apr. 7, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] For many women, and some men, a manicure is considered a part ofa regular hygiene program. For some this includes the application oflotions, creams, and polishes.

[0003] An inherent problem in manicures is waiting for polish to dry.Often a proper manicure can take between 4 and 6 coats of nail polish.The total drying time can be over 20 minutes, and the person with dampnails must restrict their activities until their nails are completelydry. It is difficult to read, drive, or sleep with wet paintedfingernails, and they are very likely to chip or smudge the paint ifthey partake in any activity.

[0004] On the market are foam finger dividers to help manicurists keepthe fingernails from touching each other during the manicure.Essentially these are small thin pads of foam that have protrusions tofit in between each of the fingers to separate the fingers. The foamfinger dividers are unlike the present invention because they have noprotective covers for the wet nail, the user must continue to not usetheir fingers during the drying stage, and they do not totally inhibitthe fingernails from touching each other while wet.

[0005] There are also manicure station pads that user may set theirhands flat upon, while they are receiving their manicure. Unlike thepresent invention, these stations do not protect the nails while drying,are not intended to be worn, do not inhibit the fingernails fromtouching each other, and the user must refrain from utilizing theirfingernails while wet.

[0006] Many manicurists use small fans to speed up the drying process.These fans are unlike the present invention because they do not keep thenails from touching each other, the users cannot use their nails duringdrying and they provide no protective cover for the drying nails.

[0007] Therefore a need has been established for a protective cover forfingernails while drying polish.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is a protective closing cover forfingernails that fits around the fingertip and nail of the user toprotect the nail from damage after painting. The protective closingcover fits in a secure fastened manner around the fingertip and up thefinger from nail cuticle. The present invention extends from thefingertip portion so that the nail sits surrounded on all sides by thecover.

[0009] The protective closing cover has a fastener that can be used byeither right handed or left handed user to attach the bubble nail totheir fingers. The lower portion of the present invention is made offoam that conforms to the user's finger and allows for wider or narrowerfingers without discomfort.

[0010] The top of the protective closing cover has air holes puncturedin the topside to allow air to ventilate around the nail. The claspshave two locking mechanisms based a set amount of distance from eachother on a parallel line to receive a pointed piece in between each ofthe locking mechanisms.

[0011] The protective closing cover allows the user to paint their nailsand then go onto other tasks such as driving, using the phone, sleep orcarry out other daily activities without damaging their nails. In thismanner a user may have a manicure apply the ten bubble nail covers andcontinue with other tasks.

[0012] The protective closing covers will clasp around the finger afterthe first knuckle.

[0013] The wet nail is protected by the dome with air holes punctured sothe nails may easily dry, but the nails are not damaged. When thefingernails are dry the user may detach the bubble nail cover and storefor the next use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention with a clear viewof the snapping clasps.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention with a clear viewof the hinge.

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a top open view of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 6 shows a side view of the present invention closed around afinger.

[0020]FIG. 7 gives an interior open view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention is a protective closing cover forfingernails that allows users freedom of movement for their hands whilenail polish is drying. It is manufactured of two interlocking hingedpieces that fit around the fingertip below the first knuckle and coverthe nail of the user without touching the nail or chipping the polish.The bubble nail covers are reusable, and are easily applied and removed.

[0022]FIG. 1 shows a side view of the protective closing cover. Theprotective closingcover has a first half (10) and a second half (20)with a top foam end (30) and a bottom foam end (40). The foam end (40)in this embodiment is made of a foam like material due to its cushioningnature. However, in separate embodiments of the present invention thefoam end (40) can be constructed of any other cushioning material thatis non-toxic, such as neoprene material, gel packets, or a spongematerials. The foam end (40) is incorporated in the present invention sothat the user may insert their finger and have a snug fit regardless ofthe size of their finger.

[0023] For example, if the user has a small finger, the foam end (40)will help to fill the space around the diameter of their finger so thatthe present invention has a snug fit. Also if the user has a largefinger, the foam end (40) conforms to the diameter of their fingerwithout pain, or constriction of blood flow, but still snug enough tonot slip off. The foam ends (40) are used on the present inventionbecause the fit is universal. There are two larger bubble nails in eachset for the thumbs, and eight smaller ones for each of the fingers.Since each user's hand will have fingers of differing diameters, thefoam end (40) allows the bubble nail to fit regardless of diameter ofthe finger. The foam end (40) has a rebound rate of 100%, meaning thatafter the bubble nail is used, the foam end (40) will increase in sizeto its original size. In this manner the same set of bubble nails can beused many times with many different users as they are one size fits all.In separate embodiments the bubble nails can be manufactured with acustom fit for each finger, disposing of the need for the foam end(40).The first half ( 0) has air holes (50) placed immediately abovewhere the nail is placed (see FIG. 2). The air holes (50) are placeddirectly above the nail so the user may see their nails as they dry andthis is the area that needs the most ventilation. The user may blow airthrough the air holes (50) to help the nails to dry, or if they chooseto move their hands in a rapid, shaking fashion to help nails dry theair will easily circulate on top of the nail. Also the user can wear thebubble nails while they are putting on clothes, or going about theirdaily activities, their nails will dry due to natural movement of theirhands and air circulating through the air holes (50). In an alternateembodiment of the present invention, the bubble nails will be producedwithout air holes, so a user may use them while tanning and protecttheir manicure from UV rays from the tanning bed or the sun. UV lightswill yellow the nails over prolonged exposure and can lead to brittleand breaking nails.

[0024] There do not need to be a particular number of air holes (50) tofunction as a drying tool. However, during manufacture, the strength ofthe plastic material should be taken into account when puncturing theair holes (50). Too many air holes (50) will weaken the bubble nails,and too few air holes (50) will not allow for proper ventilation. Thereare six air holes (50) on the present invention because that number ofair holes (50) does not weaken the plastic, but allows for properventilation. The air holes (50) are 0.25 centimeters in diameter. Thespacing of the air holes (50) from each other is not relevant, as longas structural integrity and proper ventilation are achieved. The airholes (50) in separate embodiments of the present invention could be inthe shape of flowers, snowflakes, suns, or other novelty shapes.

[0025] The first half (10) and second half (20) in an alternateembodiment of the present invention could be shaped to fit the naturalcurve of the nail. In this embodiment, the first half (10) and secondhalf (20) would be narrow and fit closer to the side of the finger andnail than the present embodiment. This would provide for easier movementof the hand and manipulation of objects with the fingers while wearingthe bubble nails. In the present embodiment, the bubble nail for thethumb is less rounded in the first half (10) and the second half (20)than the bubble nails for the fingers. However in separate embodimentsthe thumb bubble nail can be manufactured at the same or proportionaldiameter as the bubble nails for the fingers. Also, in separateembodiments the bubble nails can be designed for men or children.Additionally, the bubble nails can be produced in larger sizes for toeuses for pedicures. FIG. 1 also gives a clear view of the snappingclosures (60) which are removably attached to the first half (10) andthe second half (20). It is necessary to have one snapping closure (60)on each side of the first knuckle of the finger for tight closure of thepresent invention around the finger. The snapping closures (60) inconjunction with the foam end (40) create a snug fit around the firstknuckle of the finger. The upper snapping closure (60) closes the gapbetween the first half (10) and the second half (20) of the presentinvention. The snapping closures (60) are manufactured as congruouspieces with the first half (10) and second half (20).

[0026] To apply the bubble nails the user should open all of the bubblenails and lay them in order to which they are applied on the table orother flat surface. The user should start with the smallest finger andplace the finger on top of the first half (10) and then close the secondhalf (20) on top of the first half (10) with use of the snappingclosures (60). The user should start with the smallest finger on eachhand and move into the thumb because they then have prolonged use oftheir index fingers and thumbs to assist in applying the bubble nails.

[0027] The snapping closures (60) in other embodiments of the presentinvention could be replaced by a spring loaded closure. The springloaded closure (not shown) would be installed at the uppermost end ofthe present invention and the first half (10) and second half (20) wouldbe securely attached at the spring loaded closure (not shown). In thisembodiment of the present invention, the user could press on the top ofthe bubble nail, and the first half (10) would pop up in a 90 degreeangle from the spring loaded closure (not shown) to the second half(20). The user would then place their finger on top of the second half(20) and press the first half (10) down upon the second half (20)activating the spring loaded closure (not shown) to close the bubblenail around the finger. As the first half (10) and second half (20) ofthe present invention in this embodiment are of the same shape as in thepresent embodiment, the nail will not be touched by the first half (10)upon closing.

[0028] A possible variation on the snapping closures (60) is enclosing1-2 closures (not shown) that can be opened by inserting a wand into theside of the closure (not shown) to release the closing mechanism. Theuser may simply remove those 1 or 2 bubble nails and use those fingersto release the standard snapping closures (60) of the other fingers. Thewand closure (not shown) can be constructed of a tubing mechanismwherein one half of the tubing mechanism (not shown) would curve in anoutward and downward fashion from a side of the first half (10) of thebubble nail. The second half of the tubing mechanism (not shown) wouldextend in an upward and outward manner from the second half (20) of thebubble nail. In this embodiment upon closure, the first half and secondhalf of the tubing mechanism (not shown) would meet and allow for atight fit of the bubble nail. A user would merely need to insert a wand(not shown) of sufficient diameter into the tubing mechanism, and withan upward push, the tubing mechanism would release to open the bubblenail.

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention the snappingclosures (60) can be replaced by a hinge closure (FIG. 7). The hingeclosure (FIG. 7) would be manufactured of a hinge on one side of thepresent invention. Opposite the hinge would be a rim device in which thefirst half (10) would have an interlocking ridge with the second half(20) so that when the second half (20) is closed on the first half (10)the bubble nail will close for drying purposes. The hinge closure (FIG.7) would work in the same manner as a hinged closure cap on a toothpastetube. The hinged closure (FIG. 7) could also be opened by pressing downon the second half (20) as in the spring loaded closure (FIG. 7). Thesnapping closures (60) have two parallel knobs that are along the edgeof the second half (20) and one knob along the edge of the first half(10) to interlock with the two parallel knobs along the edge of thesecond half (20). The two parallel knobs on the second half (20) and theone knob on the first half (10) must be of significant diameter to allowthe snapping closures (60) to close in a snug manner. If the one knob onthe first half (10) is too small it will slip out of the space betweenthe two parallel knobs on the second half (20). If the one knob on thefirst half (10) is too large it will not fit in the space between thetwo knobs on the second half (20).

[0030]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the protective closing cover. Thefirst half (10), the second half (20), the top foam end (40), the bottomfoam end (30), the air holes (50) and the snapping closure (60). Alsoshown in FIG. 3 is the hinge (80) which is attached to the first half(10) and the second half (20) to allow the protective closing cover toopen and the user to enter their finger so the nail may dry.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the present invention. The secondhalf (20) has grooves to hold a finger (not shown) The hinge (80),snapping closures (60), and bottom foam end (30). As is shown the bottomfoam end (30) has two snapping closures (60) one each side so the usermay enter their finger and tighten the bottom foam end (30) and the topfoam end (40) below their first knuckle. FIG. 4 shows a top view of theprotective closing cover. The air holes (50), first half (10) hinge(80), top foam end (40), and snapping closures (60).

[0032]FIG. 5 shows a top view of the protective closing cover in an openposition. The air holes (50), first half (10), second half (20), topfoam end (40) and bottom foam end (30) are clearly shown. The hinge (80)is at fully extended position and the ability to close the first half(10) on top of the second half (20) is shown by the directional arrowsat the top and bottom of the figure. The snapping closures (60) areshown at open position in this figure to clearly show how the singularknob is placed to fit between the two parallel knobs to securely closethe protective closing cover.

[0033]FIG. 6 shows a side view of the protective closing cover closedaround a finger.

[0034] The first half (10) and the second half (20) are shown wrappedaround the user's finger. The foam ends (40) are shown wrapped aroundthe finger above the first knuckle.

[0035]FIG. 7 gives an interior open view of the protective closingcover. The first half (10) and second half (20) of the present inventionare shown as are the air holes (50).

[0036] Also shown are the foam ends (40) and snapping closures (60).FIG. 7 gives a clear view of the hinge mechanism (80) of the protectiveclosing cover connecting the first half (10) and the second half (20).

[0037] In additional embodiments of the present invention the secondhalf (20) would be fitted with a gripping substance to allow the user togrip small or slick objects with ease while wearing the bubble nails.The gripping substance (not shown) may be constructed of a raised bumprubber section, a sand paper material, or any applicable grippingsubstance. Also a hook may be added to the first half (10) or secondhalf (20) of the present invention for accessing small or hard to handleobjects while wearing the bubble nails.

[0038] The present invention is not limited to the sole embodimentsdescribed above but includes any and all embodiments in the followingclaims.

1. A protective nail cover, comprising: a first member; a second member,in communication with said first member; at least one hole on said firstmember; a first intermediary end, in communication with said firstmember; a second intermediary end, in communication with said secondmember; and a closure, in communication with said first member and saidsecond member.
 2. A protective nail cover, as in claim 1, wherein saidclosure enables said first member to close above a nail and onto saidsecond member.
 3. A protective nail cover, as in claim 2, wherein saidfirst member, said second member, and said closure prevent contact withthe nail.
 4. A protective nail cover, as in claim 3, wherein saidclosure is a snapping closure.
 5. A protective nail cover as in claim 1,wherein said closure is tubular, having a first tubular half attached tosaid first member, a second tubular half attached to said second member,and a rod member separating said first tubular member from said secondtubular member.
 6. A protective nail cover as in claim 1, wherein saidat least one hole provides ventilation for a nail covered by said firstmember.
 7. A protective nail cover, as in claim 1, wherein said firstintermediary end and second intermediary end are made of a foammaterial.
 8. A protective nail cover, as in claim 1, wherein said firstintermediary end and said second intermediary end fit around a nailsupporting appendage below a nail.
 9. A protective nail cover, as inclaim 8, wherein said first intermediary end and said secondintermediary end are capable of being depressed to fit the shape of anail supporting appendage.
 10. A protective nail cover, as in claim 1,wherein said first member, said second member, said first intermediaryend, said second intermediary end, and said closure are removably fixedaround a nail and a nail supporting appendage.